In a statement on Monday by the Bureau of African Affairs, the U.S. noted its deep concern over the kidnapping of students and teachers across the two states.
The United States has condemned the recent mass abductions in Niger and Kebbi states, describing the incidents as unacceptable and urging swift action from Nigerian authorities.
In a statement on Monday by the Bureau of African Affairs, the U.S. noted its deep concern over the kidnapping of students and teachers across the two states.
“The United States condemns the mass abduction of reportedly over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria and the kidnapping, just days before, of 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.”
The statement stressed the need for urgent enforcement measures to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Those responsible for these crimes must be swiftly captured and held accountable.”
It further urged the Nigerian government to strengthen security, particularly for Christian communities and school environments that have increasingly come under attack.
“The Nigerian government must act decisively and do more to protect Christians and ensure Nigerians can live, learn, and practice their religion freely without fear or terror.”
The U.S. emphasized that the protection of students and religious groups remains a critical requirement for peace and stability in affected regions.
BELLNEWS earlier reported that 50 pupils who were abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Niger State, had reportedly escaped and reunited with their parents, as confirmed by the school authorities on Sunday.
The escape came just days after terrorists attacked the school and abducted a total of 303 pupils and students.
The pupils fled between Friday and Saturday but could not return to the school after escaping. The school administration verified their safe return by contacting and visiting the parents of the rescued pupils.
According to Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, Proprietor of the school, and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, “as much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims.”
The update was signed electronically by Daniel Atori, Media Aide to the Bishop, Most Rev. Yohanna.
“For the records, we now have 251 primary pupils, 14 secondary students and 12 teachers still with their abductors,” the statement said.
“In the primary section, out of the total number of 430 pupils we have in the school, 377 of them are boarders and the remaining 53 others are non-boarders.
“Currently, aside the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not carried away. As it stands now, we have 236 pupils, another 3 children who belong to our staff, 14 secondary students making a total 253 children including 12 members of staff with the abductors.”
Earlier, Bellnews reported that no fewer than 25 students had been abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area.
The attack, carried out by heavily armed bandits, left one staff member dead and another injured. This was disclosed in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi.